10 Riveting Books That Will Make You Feel Like You're Overhearing Gossip

Have you ever wondered about the secrets buzzing beneath the mundane facade of a small town? "The Operator" by Gretchen Berg throws open a picture window into the quaint life of 1950s Wooster, Ohio, where bustling switchboard operators covertly feast on the less-than-perfect tales of neighbors. When Vivian Dalton stumbles upon a call that threatens her family's dignity, the ensuing cascade of startling revelations holds you captive. Discover the tangled web woven by secrets in this witty and devilishly delightful debut novel. Read more.

Enter the mysterious and morally ambiguous orbit of June Hayward in "Yellowface." A tale spun with dark humor and deadly stakes, it explores the grimy depths of literary identity theft and cultural appropriation. When June hijacks her late friend's novel and claims it as her own, she must navigate the treacherous shadows of Athena's unyielding presence, making for a thrilling narrative about the power struggles within the literary world. Discover more about June's perilous path to fame and infamy.

Julia Fox's "Down the Drain" offers an unfiltered lens into a life filled with highs (often chemically induced) and the rock-bottom lows that accompany them. This memoir unpacks her glamorous yet gritty journey through fame, family dynamics, and the wild fluctuations of a tumultuous career. Fox's unapologetic retrospective is a raw exploration of her life as a pop-culture icon, actress, and social media maven, appealing for its authenticity and emotional honesty. Dive into her story.

In "Big Swiss," Jen Beagin complicates the landscape of love and anonymity within the quirky heart of Hudson, New York. Greta's fascination with a therapy client, dubbed Big Swiss, turns into a forbidden yet inevitable real-life romance. This intricate, hilarious narrative of passion, secrets, and personal traumas immerses readers in daring escapades and the consequences of clandestine affairs. Get carried away with its unbridled honesty and zany charm. Learn more.

Lindsay Lynch's debut, "Do Tell," rewinds the glamorous reel of Hollywood's golden era, intertwining scandal with cinematic finesse. Follow character actress Edie O'Dare as she navigates the often ruthless spheres of gossip journalism and Hollywood stardom. Her shift from movie sets to secret exposes brings both opportunity and peril as she uncovers powerful truths and faces ethical conundrums. With a fresh perspective on fame’s fallout, it’s a must-read for old-Hollywood aficionados. Find out more about Edie’s audacious journey.

Jennette McCurdy's memoir, "I'm Glad My Mom Died," captures the tumultuous and often heartbreaking childhood of a reluctant child star. Bursting with candid anecdotes and piercing humor, McCurdy lays bare the cloying, complex relationship with her mother, detailing her fight for independence amid the pressures of the entertainment industry. This soul-baring tome exposes the hidden scars and unexpected resilience that lie behind the façade of fame. Explore her story.

"Dykette" by Jenny Fran Davis serves up a delectable mash-up of relational intrigue, glitzy retreats, and queer empowerment. This provocatively humorous exploration of complex dynamics among three couples on a holiday retreat is rich in wit and biting social commentary. As roles blur and true intentions surface, relationships are tested against unconventional backdrops, making this debut novel an ode to the chaos and beauty of human desires. Uncover their secrets.

With a nod to the chaotic beauty of today’s workspaces, "I Hope This Finds You Well" offers a laugh-a-minute ride through the corporate world’s underbelly. Jolene’s clandestine access to her colleagues’ private communications ignites a blend of comedy and romance that hits all the right notes. Sue's novel examines human connections amidst office politics with sharp wit and heartfelt interactions, making it a gem for contemporary fiction enthusiasts. Delve into Jolene’s office escapades.

With a refreshing twist on the classic office romance, Rainbow Rowell’s "Attachments" is a charming story told through back-and-forth workplace emails. As Lincoln O’Neill becomes enthralled by the electronic exchanges between two witty colleagues, he wades into their everyday banter, caught in the throes of a virtual affection that unfolds across cubicles. This heartfelt and humorous narrative offers a delightful exploration of modern connection in a digital age. Start reading Attachments.

Kiley Reid’s poignant debut, "Such a Fun Age," offers a keen dissection of racial dynamics set within the intricate web of personal and professional relationships. Through the lens of Emira Tucker, a young Black babysitter, and her affluent employers, Reid artfully unravels the complexities of privilege and identity. This novel promises both warmth and critical reflection on societal norms, steering its narrative through a richly woven tapestry of modern dilemmas. Discover Emira’s story.